The IELTS Reading section tests a range of skills that are essential for understanding academic texts. Among the various topics that could appear, contemporary technological advancements like blockchain technology are increasingly relevant. Given its prominence, it’s plausible that candidates may encounter texts related to blockchain in combating corruption in upcoming exams.
Main Content
Practice IELTS Reading Test: Topic – How is Blockchain Technology Being Used to Combat Corruption?
Passage: Blockchain Technology: A Weapon Against Corruption
Corruption is a pervasive issue that undermines economic development and erodes public trust. Traditional methods of combating corruption have often fallen short. However, blockchain technology is emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against corruption. This relatively new technology, which underpins cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, promises transparency, immutability, and real-time accessibility, making it a potent weapon against corrupt practices.
Blockchain is fundamentally a decentralized ledger, a list of transactions that anyone part of the network can see and verify. This transparency ensures that all transactions are recorded and immutable, meaning they cannot be altered once entered. This immutability is critical in removing opportunities for tampering and fraud.
For instance, consider public procurement, one of the most vulnerable sectors to corruption. With a blockchain-based system, all transactions, from the initial bidding phase to the final payment, can be recorded on a public ledger. This ledger can be accessed at any time, allowing for real-time auditing and increasing accountability.
In addition, blockchain can be employed in land title registration, a sector plagued by fraud and nepotism in many developing countries. By recording land ownership details on a blockchain, these records become permanent and publicly accessible, significantly lowering the risk of corruption and property disputes.
However, while the potential benefits are substantial, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of blockchain technology. These include the technical complexity, the high energy consumption associated with some blockchain platforms, and resistance from those who benefit from the current system. Despite these obstacles, pilot projects worldwide are showing promising results, and the future looks hopeful for blockchain as a tool for combating corruption.
A visual representation of blockchain preventing corruption in public procurement
Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
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According to the text, what is one of the primary sectors vulnerable to corruption?
a) Financial auditing
b) Public procurement
c) Healthcare systems
d) Educational institutions -
What is a key feature of blockchain that makes it effective against corruption?
a) Centralized control
b) High transaction costs
c) Real-time accessibility and transparency
d) Private transaction capabilities
True/False/Not Given
-
Blockchain technology requires minimal energy to operate.
True / False / Not Given -
The text states that all countries have successfully adopted blockchain technology to combat corruption.
True / False / Not Given
Short-answer Questions
-
Name one sector mentioned in the text where blockchain can reduce fraud.
-
Why is tampering with blockchain transactions difficult?
Answer Key
Multiple Choice Answers
- b) Public procurement
- c) Real-time accessibility and transparency
True/False/Not Given Answers
- False
- Not Given
Short-answer Answers
- Land title registration.
- Because transactions are immutable and cannot be altered once recorded.
Analysis and Tips
Creating an effective practice test involves aligning the difficulty and format of real IELTS exams. The passage on blockchain technology fighting corruption covers varied content, reflecting the real-world applicability often found in IELTS readings.
When tackling such passages, it’s crucial to:
- Identify Keywords: Highlight or underline keywords within the questions and locate them in the passage to find the answers quickly.
- Understand the Context: Ensure you comprehend the context in which keywords appear, avoiding straightforward keyword matching, which can be misleading.
- Practice Various Question Types: From multiple-choice to summary completion, familiarize yourself with each type to improve overall performance.
Vocabulary
- Pervasive [adjective]: /pəˈveɪ.sɪv/ – existing or spreading through every part of something.
- Immutability [noun]: /ɪˌmjuː.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – the quality of being unchangeable.
- Transparency [noun]: /trænsˈpær.ənt.si/ – the state of being open and honest, no hidden agendas.
Grammar Structures
- Passive Voice: Used to emphasize the action rather than the subject.
- E.g., “All transactions are recorded on a public ledger.”
- Present Perfect Tense: Indicates an action that has occurred at some point before now but is relevant in the present.
- E.g., “Pilot projects worldwide are showing promising results.”
Conclusion
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Reading section, practice is key. Familiarizing yourself with different topics, such as how blockchain technology is being used to combat corruption, will give you a solid preparation base. Focus on understanding the passage, identifying keywords, and practicing various question types. Stay updated with current technological trends as they can often appear in your IELTS exam.
